d in a fine campaign
country, and is at least twice the distance of Pau from the sea, or
about one hundred and fifty miles; the temperature however of Tours is
subject to rather frequent but decidedly not great vicissitudes, the
thermometer being rarely above 80 deg. in summer or below 40 deg. in winter.

The comparative statements given by Dr Playfair respecting the
climates of several places in the north and south of Europe, may
somewhat serve to illustrate that of Tours with regard to those
respective localities:[A] "The mean annual temperature of Pau is 4-1/2 deg.
higher than that of London, and about 3 deg. higher than that of Penzance;
it is about 5 deg. lower than that of Marsilles, Nice, and Rome, and 10 deg.
lower than that of Maderia. In winter it is 2 deg. warmer than London, 3 deg.
colder than Penzance, 6 deg. colder than Nice and Rome, and 18 deg. colder than
Maderia. But in _spring_ Pau is 6 deg. warmer than London, and 5 deg. warmer
than Penzance; only 2-1/2 deg. colder than Marsilles and Rome, and 7 deg. colder
than Maderia.

The range of temperature, between the warmest and coldest months at Pau
is 32 deg.; this at London, and likewise at Rome is 26 deg.; at Penzance it is
only 18 deg., and at Maderia 14 deg.. The daily range of temperature at Pau is
7-1/2 deg., at Penzance it is 6-1/2 deg., at Nice 8-1/2 deg., at Rome 11 deg.."

At Tours the prevailing winds are south westerly. Between however the
vernal equinox (the 21st of march and the latter part of april),
easterly winds are rather frequent, but the city is pretty effectually
protected from the effects of these and the north winds by the high
range of country which stretches out from nearly east to west along the
northern banks of the Loire. The long succession of handsome villas
pleasantly situated opposite Tours at the base of these high grounds,
occasionally climbing their slopes, and which are chiefly occupied by
English families, being entirely protected from them.

The autumn which is peculiarly mild and may be said to be here
exceedingly charming,--especially where the red tinted leaves of the
vine impart a glowing richness to the vineyard clad landscape,--advances
with an agreeable and smiling aspect into the more dreary month of
december, when cold weather may, generally speaking, be said to have
commenced; though the middle of most days is still cheered by a warm and
genial sunshine. A good deal of heavy rain usually falls about the
a